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‘We had fun, thank you. I love my mittens. Can we do it again soon? I’ll bring my Barney book next time I come.’
    ‘No problem. It was my pleasure. Sure – told ya. Barney’s my fave too.’
    Josh could make her mood turn to positive with ease. His enthusiasm and trust dispelled the black crags of doubt.
    Her gaze travelled up and zapped against Lyle’s. Potent sparks flashed inside her as they stared. Something lit up, recognising the deep vat of love inside this man for his child. A child who no longer had a mother. She felt overwhelming empathy for his predicament.
    Emotion made her throat thick as she tried to navigate her way forward. ‘Maybe you should sleep on this offer, Lyle? It’s sudden. You may get offers from an agency sooner than you think, someone better qualified than me?’
    ‘You’re a natural, Maddie. Why would I want a stranger? My son likes you. Need more reasons to accept? Do I have to tempt you further by adding that we have an in-house swimming pool? And I’ll up your pay to double; I’ll even consider a bonus on top if things work out. Maybe I can help you get those mortgage arrangements fixed up too, if you’ll let me help?’
    Maddie sighed, struggling to formulate a way out of this plan of Lyle’s that was fast closing in on her. ‘I already have a job I like here.’
    Lyle shrugged and came closer, tugged her arm to draw her nearer to him so that he could lower his voice. ‘How about a clause that says if it’s not what you want you can come back to the café, no problems? My home needs are greater right now. Josh has been through a great deal, losing his mother. I aim to minimise disruption for him, and I’d really appreciate your help.’
    ‘You move fast, Lyle.’
    His gaze was intense and a lazy smile played on his lips, ensnaring her. She felt her cheeks go crimson at the clear innuendo of her words.
    ‘I was a European rally champion. I can still pull the moves out if the stakes count enough.’ His eyes smiled, snatching her breath away. ‘Five titles in consecutive years don’t come from hanging back. When I want something, no hesitation allowed. And my son’s welfare is paramount.’
    Their eyes held – intense, high-octane. A frisson of thrill ran her entire spine.
    ‘Hello, Lyle. I’m here.’
    A grey-haired woman approached them, using a stick to aid her walking. Josh jumped to his feet and ran to hug her.
    ‘Grandma!’ Josh tooted in triumph. The woman’s face erupted with proud smiles. The spell of held gazes with Lyle vanished.
    ‘Is that my favourite grandson?’ the woman teased and laughed. Her accent as deliciously Scottish as her son’s.
    ‘My mother,’ Lyle explained. ‘Excuse me, and think about what I said. You can give me your answer later.’
    Maddie nodded, knowing she’d need time to regulate her breathing after the intense chemistry explosion that had just struck like forked lightning between them.
    She’d just been promoted, diverted into a new unforeseen role. Causing rapid mental duelling, because while her instincts urged her on, her brain and better judgements told her to decline, retreat fast, escape, evade.
    Personal family nanny roles brought personal challenge. She’d always opted for play-centre jobs, with lots of kids and neutral locations. Live-in nannying meant giving up her safety net. But it was a chance to get her career and goals on track nonetheless.
    ‘Lyle,’ she finally said, calling him before he was out of earshot. ‘You’re right. Josh deserves me giving it a try. I’m trained and ready. So the least I can do is agree to a temporary trial, right?’
    Lyle Sutherland smiled at her, causing her heart to somersault in her ribcage.
    ‘Great. Then we’ll start tomorrow.’
    Lyle challenged her. Challenged with micromanagement, disapproval dogma, constricting control. Challenged with simmering sexual awareness too. And now he’d exploited her biggest weakness. Lyle Sutherland challenged the dark shadows